Tray arrangement for topical application of medication to the teeth



Feb. 15, 1966 I G. e. slMoR TRAY ARRANGEMENT FOR TOPICAL APPLICATION OFMEDICATION TO THE TEETH 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 5 1965 INVENTOR.

GEORGE G. SIMOR W% ATTORNEY Feb. 15, 1966 G. G. SIMOR 3,234,942

TRAY ARRANGEMENT FOR TOPICAL APPLICATION OF MEDICATION TO THE TEETHFiled Sept. 5, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 22 INVENTOR. 34

GEORGE G. SIMOR ATTORNEY Feb. 15, 1966 G. G. slMOR TRAY ARRANGEMENT FORTOPICAL APPLICATION OF MEDICATION TO THE TEETH 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 FiledSept. 5, 1963 INVENTOR. GEORGE G. SIMOR ATTORNEYS Feb. 15, 1966 5. G.SIMOR 3,234,942 TRAY ARRANGEMENT FOR TOPICAL APPLICATION OF MEDICATIONTo THE TEETH Filed Sept. 5, 1963 4. Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. l3

INVENTOR.

GEORGE G. SIMOR BY ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,234,942 TRAYARRANGEMENT FUR TOPICAL APPLE- QATKQN 6F MEDHCATEQN TO THE TEETH GeorgeG. Simon, 4619 August St., Los Angelles, Calif. Filed Sept. 3, 1963,Ser. No. 3%,661 1 .7 Claims. (til. 123-1721) This application iscontinuation-inpart of my co-pending application for Arrangement forTreating Teeth, Serial No. 216,131, filed August 10, 1962, nowabandoned.

This invention pertains to an arrangement for topical application ofmedication to the teeth.

In dentistry there are frequent occasions in which some sort ofmedication is applied to the exterior surfaces of the teeth. Aparticularly important use for the technique is in the application offluoride solutions. Fluorides have long been known as advantageous inreducing painful sensitivity of the teeth. More recently it has beenestablished that topical application of fluorides can materially reducetooth decay. As a result, there has developed the treatment of teethwherein the dentist bathes the teeth with a fluoride solution. Formaximum effectiveness each tooth should receive the fluoride solutionover its entire exterior surface for approximately five minutes.

The problems attendant external fluoride application have meant that attimes it has become an imperfect treatment and has not accomplished theresults theoretically possible. Partially this is occasioned by theinherent difficulty in properly administering a fluoride bath to thetooth surface. With conventional procedures it becomes a formidable taskto cover all portions of each tooth, including the surfaces in thecrevices between adjacent teeth. Also, any sailva present at thetreatment area will react with the fluorine, converting it chemicallyand destroying its usefulness as a medicament. Of course, the dentistwill block the salivary glands with cotton rolls at the time oftreatment, but it is not a simple matter to assure a complete absence ofsaliva under all circumstances. Additionally, the length of the bathperiod and the hand application of the solution has made fluoridetreatment a timeconsuming and expensive operation. Therefore, topicalfluoride application in the past frequently has resulted in an unevenand imperfect fluoride contact with the tooths surface. Many teethinevitably receive the bath for less than the prescribed time, whileothers have surfaces missed entirely.

Additional problems are encountered due to the natural conditionsexisting within the mouth. The tooths surface normally has a slightnegative electrical charge.

Fluoride ions, on the other hand, are the most negative r ions accordingto the periodic chart of elements. Hence, the negative fluoride ions inthe fluoride solution used for treating the teeth are repelled by thenegative charge existing at the tooths surface. Consequently, it isdiflicult to assure that the fluoride will actually contact the toothssurface where it is needed.

Such problems are overcome by the arrangement of this invention whichincludes a trough-like tray of more or less rigid material provided withthe general shape of a set of teeth. Within this tray is placed acontoured bag or ba-llon having a recessed outer surface and containinga fluid such as air. A pad of absorbent material, likewise preferablycontoured, is fitted within the depression in the bag. In use of theinvention the pad is saturated with a predetermined amount of medicamentsuch as a fluoride solution, and it is bitten into by the teeth of thepatient. The fluid-filled bag thereby is caused to assume the precisecontour of the exterior of the teeth. The bag fits closely around theteeth including the gum line where the pad and its contents are sealedfrom the remainder 3,234,942 Patented Feb. 15, 1966 of the mouth. Priorto introduction of the tray, bag and pad assembly, the lips and cheeksare maintained in a spaced relationship with the surface of the teeth byan additional and larger U-shaped member. This allows the teeth to bedried effectively and keeps them dry at all times prior to theapplication of the fluoride solution or other medicament. Thisarrangement assures that the medicament contained in the pad is bothconfined to the area of the teeth and is permitted to perform itsfunction without dilution or dispersion. Where fluorides, or othermedicaments having negative ions in solution, are involved usually thesolution in the pad is given a negative electrical charge while thepatient receives a positive charge. The result is a positive charge atthe teeth which causes ionic transfer of the fluoride in the solution tothe tooths surface. This permits the entire set of up per or lower teethto be treated effectively and rapidly.

In one version, the tray is made deflectable so that jaws of differentcurvatures and sizes may be accommodated without custom fitting the trayin each instance. This assures proper application of the medicament andsaves time during treatment, while reducing manufacturing costs. Inrendering the tray bendable it may be provided with slots appropriatelypositioned to allow deflection transversely and longitudinally.

Additionally, provision may be made to withdraw salt/a by vacuum so thatthe mouth is kept dry throughout the treatment. To this end, there isincluded an exhaust opening at the front of the tray which communicateswith grooves in the tray surface through which this saliva is drawn.

It is known that in the prior art trough-like devices for use intreating the teeth have been proposed. Typically, they have includedunits of sponge rubber or other such material to be engaged with theteeth. These will not accomplish the results of the present invention,however, because they will never fit tightly around the teeth or gunline to confine the medicament to the region of the teeth due to extremevariations found in oral cavities. Also, in such devices there has notbeen employed the use of ionic transfer for assuring that the activeingredients in the solution will be attracted to the tooths surface.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an effectivemeans for topical application of a medicament to teeth.

Another object of this invention is to thoroughly and evenly apply amedicament to all exterior surface portions of the entire set of upperor lower teeth of the jaw, or both at the same time.

A further object of this invention is to effect ionic transfer toenhance the application of a solution to the surface of the teeth.

An additional object of this invention is to provide for the applicationof medicament to the teeth Whrein the active liquid is confined to thearea of the teeth and saliva is sealed out.

A further object of this invention is to provide a low cost unitproviding superior results in much less time in the topical applicationof medicament to teeth.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a single unit that isadapted for topical application of medicament to the teeth in varioussizes of jaws.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a means ofholding the lips and cheeks away from the teeth so that the teeth may bekept dry up to the time the medicament is applied.

An additional object of this invention is to provide for withdrawingsaliva from the mouth during treatment.

These and other objects will become apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the basic components of thedevice of this invention,

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the arrangement of the invention inassembled form,

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view taken alongline 33 of FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the device within apatients mouth in engagement with the teeth in topical application ofmedicament,

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the absorbent padillustrating the means of making electrical contact with the pad,

FIG. 6 is a wiring diagram of the circuit used when effecting ionictransfer during the application of medicament,

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the manner inwhich two of the assemblies of this invention may be associated insimultaneous treatment of both upper and lower sets of teeth,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device used in holding the patientslips and checks away from the teeth before treatment,

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating the manner in whichthe device of FIG. 8 is used,

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view, partially broken away, of thetray and balloon where the tray is made bendable and includes provisionfor drawing saliva from the patients mouth,

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the tray of FIG. 10,

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the tray taken along line12-12 of FIG. '11,

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the tray illustrating how the traywill bend to accommodate the curve of Spec,

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the increased wallthickness at the end portions of the balloon to prevent distortion atthose areas,

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 1515 of FIG. 11illustrating the front saliva exhaust provisions, and

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG.11 showing the saliva exhaust provisions interiorly of the tray.

With reference to the drawing, the device of this invention isconstructed of three main components including a tray or trough unit 1,a balloon or bag 2, and an absorbent pad 3. All of these elements aredimensioned to fit within the mouth and contoured generally to the shapeof a set of teeth. Hence, the members 1, 2 and 3 are substantiallyU-shaped in plan.

The tray 1 is of a rigid or semi-rigid material. Preferably it is madeof a suitable plastic because of the resulting low cost, lack ofabsorptivity, and the fact that it is not unpleasant to the patient whenreceived Within the mouth nor detrimental to health. It may be ofrelatively thin gauge, typically around .040 inch in thickness. Asmentioned above, it is substantially U-shaped in plan so that itconforms in contour generally to the shape of a set of teeth in the jaw.The element 1 defines a trough or channel and 'hence is substantiallyU-shaped in cross section as well. Thus, side walls 4 and 5 projectupwardly from a bottom wall 6. At the distal ends of the unit 1, thereare portions 7 and 8 of the bottom wall that are inclined upwardly asmall amount. The spacing between side walls 4 and 5 is substantiallygreater that the width of a tooth.

The balloon element 2 is dimensioned to fit within the channel definedby the tray 1. It is constructed of a fluid-impervious flexiblematerial, such as a pliable plastic or rubber, usually the latter. Theunit 2 is of thinwalled construction having a hollow interior 10 that issealed and contains a fluid, which may be either a gas or a liquid. Airunder atmospheric pressure is particularly suitable, while water alsomay be used. It is possible to include both a liquid and a gas Withinthe interior of the balloon 2.

The balloon element 2 likewise is contoured to define a channel having asubstantially U-shaped cross section. The outer wall 11 joins spacedinner wall 12 at a curved upper edge 13. Wall 12 extends downwardly todefine an elongated recess 14 in the upper surface of the balloon. Thespacing across the width of the recess 14 is roughly equivalent to thewidth of a tooth. At its distal ends 16 and 17 the bag is upwardlyinclined.

The absorbent pad 3 likewise is a contoured element and is dimensionedto fit within the channel defined by the recess 14- of the balloon 2.Hence, the pad, too, is substantially U-shapcd in cross section. It alsoincludes upwardly inclined end portions 19 and 20. Various absorbentmaterials may be utilized such as appropriate types of paper, cloth orsponge rubber. When paper is utilized, the pad 3 is expendable in natureand discarded after each use of the unit of this invention. Spongerubber, on the other hand, may be cleaned after treatment of the teeth,permitting the pad to be permanently attached to the upper surface ofthe bag 2.

Where the device of this invention is to be utilized in applyingfluorides, an electrical connection preferably is made to the pad. Thismay be, for example, a woven wire 21 separated into end strands 22 and23 that are received within the plies of a paper pad as seen in FIG. 5.

In use of the device of this invention the elements 1, 2 and 3 areassembled to the relationship shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. That is to say,the balloon element 2 is fitted within the tray 1, while the pad 3 isreceived within the hollow portion 14 of the member 2. The assembleddevice then is inserted into the mouth of the patient. This isfacilitated through the provision of a handle 24 projecting from thecentral portion of the tray 1. The unit is placed within the patientsmouth so that the trough-like recess at the pad 3 is adjacent a set ofteeth to be treated. This may be either the upper or the lower teeth ofthe patient, being illustrated in FIG. 4 as applied to the upper set.The unit is dimensioned so that all of the teeth in thei get areadjacent a portion of the recess within the pa Prior to the introductionof the unit into the mouth, the

pad 3 is charged with a quantity of medicament. Thus, a predeterminedamount of a solution to be applied to the teeth, such as a fluoridesolution, is distributed throughout the pad 3. With the device of thisinvention within the mouth the aws are moved together by the patient.This causes the lower teeth 26, in the arrangement illustrated, toengage the bottom wall 6 of the tray 1 forcing it upwardly toward theupper set of teeth 27. With this movement, the pad 3 IS wrapped firmlyaround the teeth, applying the medicament solution to the surfaces ofthe teeth. This results because the pad 3 is received within theflexible balloon element 2, while the latter unit is held in the tray 1.The force of the teeth 27 reacting within the fluid-filled ballooncauses the balloon to contour itself precisely to the configuration ofthe teeth. The side walls 4 and 5 of the tray 1 confine the balloon 2 sothat the inner wall 12 of the balloon must assume this shape. Hence, theside walls 4 and 5 prevent the balloon from being distorted outwardlyaway from the exterior of the teeth. The balloon in this manner wrapsitself around all of the teeth of the patient, and also fits itselfclosely about the inner and outer gum lines 29 and 30 on either side ofthe teeth.

Even if the patient should have missing teeth, the use of a flexiblefluid-filled balloon, together with a tray to hold the balloon, causesthe pad to engage the teeth surfaces at the gaps between adjacent teethwhere the teeth are missing. The upward inclination at the end portions7 and 8 of the tray, 16 and 17 of the balloon 2, and 19 and 29 of thepad 2 means that the balloon and pad will assume the contour of the rearsurface of the last molars of the patient, as well as along the sidesurfaces of the teeth. Consequently, all of the liquid saturating thepad 3 is confined to the precise area where it is of value. The entirequantity of the medicament Will be directed against the surfaces of theteeth rather than any other location in the mouth. As the solution issqueezed from the pad by the pressure of the teeth, it flows to theinterproximal surfaces of the teeth. This forces the solution to contactthe entire surface area of the teeth including that in between adjacentteeth. The close contact of the gum line of the patient prevents themedicament from being forced away from the area of the teeth, and alsoprecludes saliva from entering the space within the recess of the deviceof this invention where it surrounds the teeth.

Accordingly, numerous advantages are realized. First, it is possible tocharge the pad 3 with a precisely measured amount of the medicament tobe applied. No guesswork is necessary, and a much more accuratetreatment of the teeth may be accomplished. Where fluorides are to beapplied, the pad 3 may be preimpregnated at the time of its manufacture.Some fluoride solutions have a relatively short effective life. The pads3, therefore, may be impregnated with the dehydrated fluoride compoundcrystals or powder to which subsequently, at the time of treatment, isadded a metered amount of water. Thus, a fresh and accurately compoundedaqueous fluoride solution is obtained. Even where the medicament is lesstemporal in nature, the technique of preimpregnation greatly adds to theconvenience of use assuring precise results with a minimum expenditureof time.

This arrangement also enables the dentist to treat an entire set ofteeth simultaneously. The time savings by this technique aresignificant. All of the teeth are treated evenly in this manner, and noportions are missed. There is much greater assurance that the dentistwill bathe the teeth with the medicament for the prescribed length oftime when all of the teeth of a set are treated at once. At the sametime, the treatment is less arduous for the patient involving nodiscomfort and a minimum period in the dental chair.

Moreover, both sets of teeth may be treated at once by using two of theassemblies of elements ll, 2 and 3. In that event, the walls 6 of thetwo trays will be in abutting relationship with the side wallsprojecting in opposite d1- rections as seen in FIG. 7. One set of teeththen enters the recess 14 in one balloon 2 while the other set isreceived in the corresponding recess of the other balloon.

This arrangement is advantageous also in that it is not necessary tocustom-fit the assembled elements it, 2 and 3 to the jaw of theparticular patient. The use of the fluidfilled balloon assures that thepad will be forced against the exterior surfaces of the teeth even inthe presence of variations in tooth size and jaw dimensions. Therefore,the unit of this invention may be supplied in only a few different sizesrather than necessitating a tailor-made unit for each patient.

Where fluoride solutions are to be applied to the teeth, it is preferredto include the electrical connection Zll which is connected to thenegative terminal of a source of electrical energy. A wire 33 extendsfrom the positive terminal to an electrically conductive element 34. Thelatter member may be simply a bar of metal conveniently held in the handof the patient. This permits the teeth of the patient to be given apositive charge rather than their normal negative potential. Thenegative fluoride ions of the solution, therefore, will be attracted tothe positively charged teeth. Consequently, through ionic transfer theapplication of the active ingredients of the solution is enhanced. Amore effective application of the fluoride is obtained in this manner,while even further reducing the time necessary for the treatment.

Preferably the electrical circuitry includes a potentiometer 35 inconductor 33 as well as an ammeter $6 that may be series connected inlead 21. This permits adjustment of the current flow to a valvesuflicient to cause the necessary movement of the ions in the solution.There is, of course, no danger to the patient from the electrical chargethus imparted. Only a low voltage, generally not exceeding 12 volts, isnecessary to induce iontophoresis.

As pointed out above, the teeth should be dry prior to application ofthe medicament. This is particularly important where fluoride solutionsare used because the reaction with saliva will chemically convert thefluorides and destroy their effectiveness. Even though the salivaryglands may be blocked off by the dentist and the teeth dried by means ofa current of air, it nevertheless is difficult to assure that the teethwill be dry when the unit 1 is inserted into the mouth. This is becausethe inner surfaces of the lips and cheeks always will retain some salivawhich they will transfer to the teeth after the teeth have been dried.

The device illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 assures that the teeth can bekept dry at the time immediately prior to applying the medicament bymeans of the unit 1. This device consists of a member 37 which issubstantially U-shaped in plan. It includes an inner edge 38 from whichit flares at an angle to the outer edge 39. A handle 4% is included atthe central portion of the unit for convenience in its use.

The edge 39 is wider than the tray "a and dimensioned to fit around thegums at the root area of the teeth. Therefore, the member 37 is insertedinto the mouth, as shown in FIG. 9, so that edge 38 is adjacent the gums41. This causes the outer edge 39 of member 37 to contact the inner wall42. of the cheeks and lips. This holds the cheeks and lips away from theteeth so that they may be thoroughly dried and kept in that condition.

In normal use the member 37 is inserted into the mouth following whichthe teeth are dried in the usual manner. The member 37 should be made ofa flexible resilient material to facilitate its entry into the mouth.This allows the dentist to squeeze the ends or" the member together sothat it can be inserted into the mouth, and later removed from themouth, without discomfort to the patient. After the element 37 is inplace, the assembled tray, balloon and pad unit is placed over the teethas described above, and the patient bites down to seal the medicament tothe area of the teeth. Then the member 37 is removed from the mouthduring the period while the medicament bathes the surface of the teeth.The fact that the flexible balloon seals along the gum line means thatthe presence of any residual saliva along the cheeks and lips no longeris a problem, because the saliva cannot then reach the area of theteeth.

The invention can be used more generally for different sizes and shapesof jaws if it is constructed as illustrated in FIGS. 9, l0 and 11. Herethe tray unit possesses flexibility that allows it to be used even wherethere is considerable variation in jaw dimensions and curvatures.

The tray 44 is generally similar to the previouslydescribed embodimentin that it is a channel member which is substantially U-shaped in plan.It includes a bottom wall 45, an upstanding inner side wall 46 and anouter side wall 47. Extending inwardly through the bottom wall 45 oneither side of the midportion of the channel 44 are relatively wideslots 4-8 and 49. These slots continue through the inner side wall 46.In addition, the outer wall 47 includes a duality of substantiallyvertically extending slots 5% and 51. These two slots extend downwardlyto the bottom wall 45 of the channel member 44. The provision of theslots 4-8, 4i", Sit and 51, together with the use of a somewhat flexibleplastic material, allows the unit to bend considerably in adapting todifferent jaw contours. For example, the side portions of the unit canbend inwardly toward the longitudinal axis for jaws that are relativelynarrow, being permitted this movement by the clearance at the slots 48and 49. Similarly, outward movement of the outer legs of the U-shapedchannel also is allowed by the slots 48 and 49.

Thus, the tray member may either be opened up or closed in to fit jawsthat are relatively wide or narrow.

The vertical slots 53 and 51 are usable in permitting fiexure about atransverse axis to accommodate the curvature of the teeth of a patient.Upper teeth, for example, have a natural downward concavity when viewedfrom the side, rather than falling all in a straight line. This is knownas the curve of Spec and is designated by line A in FIG. 13. By theprovision of the vertical slots and 51, together with the slots 48 and4%, the member 44 may be given a bowed configuration from the side, asillustrated, so that tie teeth can be closely engaged regardless of thedegree to which the curve of Spee is present.

The tray member 44 also is made fiat throughout the length of the bottomwall 45, rather than having the slightly upturned ends as for thepreviously described arrangement. This gives the unit greaterflexibility in use with jaws of different depths. The upturned ends 7and 8 or" the tray unit 1 previously described have the disadvantage oflimiting the jaw length with which the tray is usable. However, the ends7 and 8 serve the purpose of preventing the balloon 2 from having anunrestricted portion where it would tend to putt out and not conformclosely to the teeth. In the present arrangement, however, this is takencare of by modifying the balloon so that it will not unduly distorttoward the rear even in the absence of restraining walls. This isaccomplished by constructing the balloon 53 so that the wall thicknessat the outer ends 54- and 55 is greater than at the remaining portionsof the balloon. This may be seen in FIG. 14, where it can be noted thatthe balloon wall at the end area 54 at the distal end of the balloon isconsiderably thicker than at the horizontal wall sections 56 and 57inwardly of the ends. This heavier end wall to the balloon effectivelyeliminates any tendency for the balloon to puff out toward the rear eventhough it is unconstrained at that area.

The channel member 44 also is constructed to facilitate the removal ofsaliva from the month. As pointed out above, it is of utmost importanceto keep saliva away from the fluoride solution being applied to theteeth. This is because saliva reacts chemically with the fluoride tocompletely change its composition and destroy all of its effectiveness.Consequently, the member 4-4 includes a forward extension 58 having anoutwardly directed bore 59 and terminating in a cylindrical end 60. Thelatter portion is to fit within a vacuum hose 61 that is used to sucksaliva from within the mouth of the patient.

The bore 59 connects to an aperture 63 through the central lower portionof the outer wall 47. This provides communication between the vacuumline and the interior of the member 44. A vertical groove 64 extendsupwardly from the opening 63 the full height of the outer wall 47. Thisassures that there is a passage for the saliva in that area permittingit to enter the opening 63 despite the presence of the balloon 53 in thechannel 44. Also, there is a slot 65 at the upper end of the wall 47 towhich the groove 64 extends. Immediately forward of the slot 65 andcarried by the extension 53 is a small barrier wall 66. This serves tohold the lip away from the exterior of the wall 47 at the front of themouth. As a result, there is always an opening from the exterior of themember 47 through the gap 67 between the barrier 66 and the exterior ofwall 47 through the slot 65 and into the groove 64, from which thesaliva can be drawn outwardly through the opening 63 and the bore 59.

Additionally, a pair of grooves 69 and 7 0 extends across the bottomwall 45 from the groove 64 and upwardly along the inner surface of theinner wall 46. The grooves 69 and 70 terminate in slots 71 and 72.Hence, there is open communication provided from the area Within thechannel member 44 to the saliva exhaust port. The slots 71 and 72 willnot be closed off by the balloon 53 or the tongue, and will assure anopen passageway into the grooves 69 and 79 which, in turn, lead to theexhaust opening 63.

This design, therefore, not only is more versatile in its scope of usebut also affords improved results by permitting greater assurance thatsaliva will not contact the medicament being topically applied to theteeth.

This arrangement also provides a more convenient and satisfactoryprovision for positioning the lead wires used in imparting the properelectrical potential to the teeth of the patient. This is provided by apair of grooves 74 and 75 in the upper surface of the forward extension58 of the channel member, together with openings 76 and 77 at the endsof these grooves. Consequently, a lead wire may be arranged in eitherone of these grooves and directed downwardly through the opening 76 or77 for connection to the source of electrical energy. This type ofinstallation is less prone to damage than where the lead wires areunprotected. Also, it is more conveniently used and results in a neaterarrangement.

From the foregoing it can be seen that I have provided an improved teethtreating arrangement having the unique capability of confining amedicament to the precise area where it is needed. It permits the toothtreatment to be assomplished more rapidly and with greater effectivenessthan possible with the teachings of the prior art.

The foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as givenby way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of thisinvention being limited solely by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A device for treating teeth comprising a substantially U-shapedchannel member,

a flexible sealed balloon received in said channel memher,

said balloon having an elongated recess in the upper surface thereofdimensioned and adapted to receive teeth therein,

said recess being contoured such that said balloon has a substantiallyU-shaped cross section with spaced opposed walls defiinng a chamberwithin said balloon,

said balloon having a fluid in said chamber at substantially atmosphericpressure,

and an absorbent member in said recess for receiving a medicament andapplying the same to the surface of a set of teeth received in saidrecess.

2. A device for treating teeth comprising a channel member substantiallyU-shaped in plan and U-shaped in cross section, a flexible sealedballoon in said channel member,

said balloon being substantially complementary to said channel member onexterior surface portions thereof adjacent said channel member,

and having an additional surface remote from said channel member,

said balloon having a substantially U-shaped contour in cross section todefine an elongated recess in the outer surface of said balloon remotefrom said channel member, and to provide said balloon with opposedspaced walls defining a chamber within said balloon, a fluid in saidchamber at substantially atmospheric pressure,

and a pad of absorbent material on said surface of said balloon remotefrom said channel member.

3. A device as recited in claim 2 including in addition an electricallead connected to said pad,

a source of electrical energy having a positive and a negative terminal,

said electrical lead being connected to said negative terminal,

and means connected to said positive terminal for ap plying a positivepotential to the teeth of a patient.

4. A device as recited in claim 3 including in addition means forcontrolling the rate of current flow from said source of electricalenergy whereby the current may be adjusted to effect iontophoresis of asolution of medicament in said pad. 5. An arrangement for treating teethcomprising a balloon,

said balloon being substantially U-shaped in plan and contoured todefine an elongated substantially U-shaped recess in one principalsurface thereof,

the width of said recess being approximately the same as the width of atooth in a persons mouth, said balloon having spaced adjacent wallsdefining a sealed chamber within said balloon, said chamber containing afluid, a tray receiving exterior portions of said balloon,

said tray including upstanding side Walls, said tray being substantiallyU-shaped in plan and in cross section to define an open upper wall,

the spacing between said side walls being greater than the width of atooth, said recess in said principal surface of said balloon beingadjacent said open upper wall, said balloon having sides extending abovesaid side walls of said tray, and a pad of absorbent material receivedin said recess of said balloon, and a predetermined quantity of amedicament absorbcd in said pad. 6. A device as recited in claim 5 inwhich said bailoon is of rubber material, and in which for said fluidsaid balloon is charged with air under substantially atmosphericpressure. 7. A device as recited in claim 5 in which said tray is ofsubstantially rigid plastic material,

whereby said tray confines said balloon to substantially the areabetween the walls of said tray. 8. A device for treating teethcomprising a tray of substantially rigid plastic material,

said tray having a substantially U-shaped configuration in plan and asubstantially U-shaped configuration in cross section defined by abottom wall and two upstanding spaced side walls, said tray having anopen upper wall, a balloon loosely received in said tray,

said balloon being substantially U-shaped in plan, said balloon having abottom wall engaging said bottom surface of said tray,

and a duality of outer side walls engaging said side walls of said tray,said balloon being contoured to provide an elongated recess adjacentsaid open upper side of said tray,

said recess extending substantially the entire longitudinally dimensionof said balloon to define a wall at the lower portion of said recessopposed and spaced from said bottom wall of said balloon, and a dualityof inner side walls opposed to and spaced from said outer side walls ofsaid balloon so that said walls of said balloon define a sealed chamber,and said balloon has a substantially U- shaped cross section, a fluid insaid chamber, and a pad of absorbent matreial in said recess forreceiving a medicament to be used in treating the teeth. 9. A device fortreating comprising a channel member, said channel member beingsubstantially U-shaped in plan and in cross section and having an openupper wall,

a flexible balloon having exterior wall portions sub stantiallycomplementarily received in said channel member,

said balloon having an upper surface adjacent said upper surface of saidchannel member, said balloon having an elongated recess in the uppersurface thereof providing said balloon with a substantially U-shapedcross section and opposed spaced side walls defining a sealed chamber, afluid in said chamber,

and an absorbent member in said recess for receiving a medicament andapplying the same to the surface of a set of teeth,

said channel member being deflectable transversely to accommodate setsof teeth of different widths, and deflect'able longitudinally toaccommodate the curve of Spee of a set of teeth.

10. A device for treating teeth comprising a channel membersubstantially U-shaped in plan and U-shaped in cross section,

a flexible sealed balloon in said channel member,

said balloon being substantially complementary to said channel member onexterior portions of said balloon,

and having a surface facing outwardly of said channel member saidsurface having a recess extending longitudinally of said balloon andproviding said balloon with a substantially U- shaped cross section andopposed spaced side walls,

a fluid in said balloon at substantially atmospheric pressure,

and a pad of absorbent material on said surface of said balloon,

said channel member being deflectable transversely and longitudinallyfor accommodating sets of teeth of different dimensions and curvatures.

11. A device as recited in claim 10 in which said channel member has asubstantially fiat bottom wall and open outer ends,

said balloon at said outer ends having a greater wall thickness than theremaining portions of said balloon.

12. A device as recited in claim 10 in which for impartingdeflectability to said channel member said channel member is providedwith a duality of slots on either side of the central axis thereof,

said slots extending through the bottom wall and inner wall of saidchannel member.

13. A device as recited in claim 12 in which said channel memberadditionally has a substantially vertically extending slot in eitherouter wall thereof adjacent and inwardly of the outer ends of saidchannel member.

14. A device for treating teeth comprising a substantially U-shapedchannel member of deiectable material,

said channel member having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a bottomwall interconnecting said inner and outer walls,

a flexible sealed fluid-containing balloon in said channel member onsaid bottom wall intermediate said inner and outer walls,

said balloon having an outwardly facing recess therein, therebyproviding said balloon with a substantially U-shaped cross section withopposed spaced walls,

an absorbent member in said recess for receiving a medicament andapplying the same to a set of teeth,

said channel member having slot means therein for facilitating thedeflection thereof,

1 1 whereby said channel member can accommodate sets of teeth ofdifferent dimensions and curvatures. 15. A device as recited in claim 14including in addition exhaust means for removing saliva from a patientsmonth,

said exhaust means connecting to said outer wall of said channel member,said channel member being provided with aperture means therein forproviding passageways to transmit saliva to said exhaust means. 16. Adevice as recited in claim 15 in which said aperture means includes atleast one groove in said inner and bottom walls connecting to saidexhaust means, and at least one groove in said outer wall connecting tosaid exhaust means. 17. A device as recited in claim 15 in which saidaperture means includes at least one groove in said inner and bottomwalls,

said inner wall having a slot therein,

said groove at one end connecting to said slot and at the other end tosaid exhaust means, and at least one groove in said outer wall,

said outer wall having a slot therein,

said groove in said outer wall at one end connecting to said slot insaid outer wall 12 and at the other end connecting to said exhaustmeans, and including in addition a barrier outwardly of said slot insaid outer wall for holding the lip away from said slot in said outerwall.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 730,184 6/1903Nhitter 12820 767,553 8/1904 Edgelow 128-260 1,093,125 4/1914 Guilford3217 1,389,662 9/1921 Irwin 128172.1 1,934,688 11/1933 Ackerman 128-2602,123,980 7/1938 Warwick 128-172.1 2,151,738 3/1939 Buhse 128172.12,427,546 9/ 1947 Brooks 128-118 2,493,406 1/1950 Hicks 12896 2,564,1678/1951 McLaughlin 32-17 2,832,336 4/1958 Davis et a1. 128-38 2,834,3445/1958 Musakuni Kanai 128172.1 2,884,646 5/1959 Alber 2232 3,019,7872/1962 Simmons 128172.1 3,060,935 10/1962 Riddel 128260 FOREIGN PATENTS270,981 12/1950 Switzerland.

RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examiner.

1. A DEVICE FOR TREATING TEETH COMPRISING A SUBSTANTIALLY U-SHAPEDCHANNEL MEMBER, A FLESIBLE SEALED BALLOON RECEIVED IN SAID CHANNELMEMBER, SAID BALLOON HAVING AN ELONGATED RECESS IN THE UP PER SURFACETHEREOF DIMENSIONED AND ADAPTED TO RECEIVE TEETH THEREIN, SAID RECESSBEING CONTOURED SUCH THAT SAID BALLOON HAS A SUBSTANTIALLY U-SHAPEDCROSS SECTION WITH SPACED OPPOSED WALLS DEFINING A CHAMBER WITHIN SAIDBALLOON, SAID BALLOON HAVING A FLUID IN SAID CHAMBBER AT SUBSTANTIALLYATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE, AND AN ABSORBENT MEMBER IN SAID RECESS FORRECEIVING A MEDICAMENT AND APPLYING THE SAME TO THE SURFACE OF A SET OFTEETH RECEIVED IN SAID RECESS.